“The Filipino Flash” Nonito Donaire will share the squared circle against veteran Mexican warrior Jorge Arce 61-6-2 (KO 46) in a twelve Round WBO and WBC-Diamond super bantamweight title. The fight will be in Toyota Center, Houston, Texas, USA on December 15, 2012. Referee Laurence Cole will be in charge of the action.

Donaire 30-1-0 (KO 19) is in virtual pressure to win this fight from his Filipino legion of fans and supporters. Filipino fans expected Donaire to exact revenge for their fallen boxing hero—Manny Pacquiao from the big right hand of Arce’s countryman.The former Eight Division champion was knocked out cold by his arch-rival “the magical man” Juan Manuel Marquez on December 8, 2012 at the historic MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nevada to close their historic rivalry spanning eight years.

AnalysisI expect Arce to come forward early and throw a lot of punches—that is his trademark. He will pressure Donaire and try to pin him to the ropes to unleash damaging blows to the body. I see Arce emulating Abner Mares, when he (Mares) fought Anselmo Moreno. Arce needs to let Donaire fight his fight to become effective.

However, to do this he needs to keep up his stamina. Arce at 33 years old may not have a stamina problem in the early going. But half way to the fight, this might be an issue, depending on how he prepare for this fight.

In the past, I saw Arce wearing his opponent down the stretch. The accumulation of blows from Arce made his opponents kiss the canvas for good. Meaning he does not have that single lights-out punch which Donaire have.

Focus is the key for Arce. If he will make a mistake; like Pacquiao did, against a counter-puncher then, goodbye.

Donaire will definitely use the entire ring and his ring savvy to evade a raging Arce. He will use his footwork to keep Arce at bay and always ready to let his hands go whenever Arce leaves off guard. Donaire should take this fight in the center of the ring wherein he can use his reach and height advantage.

Donaire needs also to take care of his left hand which he injured in the past fights. Donaire’s left hook is big factor in this fight.

Prediction

I see Donaire knocking out Arce in Round 7. Arce will be a bloody mess. This fight will be like Arce-Mijares the only difference is that Donaire’s power will be too much for Arce to finish the entire 12 Rounds.